TIMSS 1999, also known as TIMSS-Repeat, was the second administration of IEA’s Third International Mathematics and Science Study. The assessment was designed to provide trends in eighth grade mathematics and science achievement in an international context. TIMSS 1999 was conducted by the TIMSS & PIRLS International
Study Center at Boston College and included
38 countries. The 1999 assessment measured the mathematics and
science achievement of eighth-grade students (ages 13 and 14 years)
and collected extensive information from students, teachers, and
school principals about mathematics and science curricula, instruction,
home contexts, and school characteristics and policies. Of the 38
participating countries, 26 also participated in the 1995
TIMSS assessment,
which enabled these countries to measure trends in their children's
mathematics and science achievement and in schools and home contexts
for learning.

Benchmarking to International Standards

The TIMSS
1999 Benchmarking Study included 13 states
and 14 districts or consortia of districts from all across the United
States. The TIMSS 1999 assessments were administered to representative
samples of eighth-grade students in the districts and states in the
spring of 1999, at the same time and following the same guidelines
as those established for the 38 participating countries. In addition
to testing achievement in mathematics and science, the TIMSS 1999 Benchmarking
Study collected extensive information from students, teachers, and
school principals about mathematics and science curricula, instruction,
home contexts, and school characteristics and policies.